NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Prioritization Questions
1. Following assessment of a patient with pneumonia, the nurse identifies a nursing diagnosis of ineffective airway clearance. Which assessment data best supports this diagnosis?
- A. Weak, nonproductive cough effort
- B. Large amounts of greenish sputum
- C. Respiratory rate of 28 breaths/minute
- D. Resting pulse oximetry (SpO2) of 85%
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Weak, nonproductive cough effort.' A weak, nonproductive cough indicates that the patient is unable to clear the airway effectively, supporting the nursing diagnosis of ineffective airway clearance. In pneumonia, secretions can obstruct the airway, leading to ineffective clearance. Choices B, C, and D do not directly reflect ineffective airway clearance. Large amounts of greenish sputum (Choice B) may suggest infection or inflammation but do not specifically indicate ineffective airway clearance. The respiratory rate of 28 breaths/minute (Choice C) and a resting pulse oximetry (SpO2) of 85% (Choice D) are more indicative of impaired gas exchange or respiratory distress rather than ineffective airway clearance.
2. During the admission assessment of a client with chronic bilateral glaucoma, which statement by the client would the nurse anticipate due to this condition?
- A. "I have constant blurred vision."?
- B. "I can't see on my left side."?
- C. "I have to turn my head to see my room."?
- D. "I have specks floating in my eyes."?
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In chronic bilateral glaucoma, peripheral visual field loss occurs due to elevated intraocular pressure, leading to the need to turn the head to compensate for the visual field deficit. This symptom is characteristic of advanced glaucoma. Choice A is incorrect as constant blurred vision is a common symptom but not specific to peripheral vision loss in glaucoma. Choice B is incorrect because specific visual field deficits are more common than complete loss on one side. Choice D is incorrect as seeing floaters (specks floating in the eyes) is associated with other eye conditions like posterior vitreous detachment, not glaucoma.
3. A newborn infant in the nursery has developed vomiting, poor feeding, lethargy, and respiratory distress, and has been diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis. Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate for this infant?
- A. Feed the infant 30 cc of sterile water
- B. Position the infant on his back
- C. Administer antibiotics as ordered
- D. Allow the infant to breastfeed
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious condition characterized by ischemic bowel, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms, lethargy, poor feeding, and respiratory distress. In the management of NEC, it is crucial to stop oral feedings, insert a nasogastric tube for decompression, and administer antibiotics as prescribed by the physician. Therefore, the most appropriate nursing intervention for an infant with NEC is to administer antibiotics as ordered. Choice A, feeding the infant sterile water, is incorrect because oral feedings should be stopped in NEC. Choice B, positioning the infant on his back, is not directly related to the treatment of NEC. Choice D, allowing the infant to breastfeed, is contraindicated in NEC as oral feedings should be ceased to prevent further complications.
4. A nurse frequently treats patients in the 72-hour period after a stroke has occurred. The nurse would be most concerned about which of these assessment findings?
- A. INR is 3 seconds long
- B. Heart rate is 110 beats per minute
- C. Intracranial Pressure is 22 mmHg
- D. Blood pressure is 140/80
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The nurse would be most concerned about the assessment finding of an Intracranial Pressure (ICP) reading of 22 mmHg in a patient 72 hours post-stroke. Elevated ICP can indicate increased risk of edema and further brain damage. A target ICP should ideally be maintained at less than or equal to 15-20 mmHg. While the other options may also be important to monitor, an elevated ICP poses a more immediate threat to the patient's neurological status and requires prompt attention.
5. A 23-year-old woman is admitted to the infusion clinic after a Multiple Sclerosis exacerbation. The physician orders methylprednisolone infusions (Solu-Medrol). The nurse would expect which of the following outcomes after administration of this medication?
- A. A decrease in muscle spasticity and involuntary movements
- B. A slowed progression of Multiple Sclerosis-related plaques
- C. A decrease in the length of the exacerbation
- D. A stabilization of mood and sleep
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Methylprednisolone infusion is the first-line treatment during an acute exacerbation of Multiple Sclerosis. It is used to decrease the length and severity of a relapse by reducing inflammation in the central nervous system. Choice A, 'A decrease in muscle spasticity and involuntary movements,' is incorrect because methylprednisolone primarily targets inflammation and does not directly address muscle spasticity. Choice B, 'A slowed progression of Multiple Sclerosis-related plaques,' is incorrect as methylprednisolone is not used to slow the progression of the disease but rather to manage acute exacerbations. Choice D, 'A stabilization of mood and sleep,' is not an expected outcome of methylprednisolone administration for Multiple Sclerosis exacerbation as it primarily targets the inflammatory process associated with the relapse.
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